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Post by oceancoursecaddy on May 3, 2015 19:29:25 GMT -6
Hey all, I bought a 190cc in May of 2014. In August I had some engine issues and I took the boat to the local former seapro dealer. They found the problem to be the rectifier regulator. They fixed the problem and I got the boat back. Ever since I got the boat back there has been oil leaking onto the the foot of the motor. At first the leak was very small and it has been getting worse ever since. At first I thought it was motor oil but when I check the motor oil level it checks out ok. When I took the boat to the dealer the steering was perfect. After I got the boat back their has been some play in the steering. In the last Month as I have taken the boat out, there has been tremendous play in the steering. Today I took the boat out and it would take approximately 5 turns of the wheel to even get the motor to move at all. The guys that were with me suggested that it was a lack of hydraulic fluid. I have been watching videos on youtube tonight about steering fluid replacement.
1st question : Is there a way to check the level of steering fluid?
2nd question : One of the guys with me suggested to just get some hydraulic fluid and fill the system. How will I know when the system is full? Is there a "dipstick"?
I would like to try and fix this myself but if not able to I will take it to a boat mechanic.
Thanks for any help.
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yolo
Ensign
Posts: 626
Location: Back to Manasquan Inlet, NJ
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Post by yolo on May 3, 2015 19:39:08 GMT -6
what type of motor? And what type of steering system.
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Post by oceancoursecaddy on May 3, 2015 19:52:36 GMT -6
I guess that info would be useful. Its a 140 Johnson 4stroke. With the baystar steering.
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Post by Simple Man on May 4, 2015 5:56:43 GMT -6
Not messy to bleed system at all. When you buy your Baystar seal kit, buy and adapter and hose bleeder kit to hook your steering fluid bottle up to the reservoir the SC described earlier. Also get a quart of the sea/bay star steering fluid. Don't get cheap like some people. Yes it's high but do it right and you won't have to worry about it for awhile. Punch a hole in the bottom of the oil jug and work steering back and forth until steering is tight and no air bubbles come out. Instructions are included in the bleeder kit. A lot of people think you have to bleed it at the cylinder like brakes but that's unnessary. Helm is the highest point on the system and the air will work back that way.
Good luck, belated congrats on the new boat and welcome to the forum
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Post by Juan on May 4, 2015 6:55:58 GMT -6
Now that you have some good advice, I'll give you the "quick fix" and not as good advice:
1. Remove the plug under the steering wheel..
2. fill with any oil, power steering fluid or hydraulic fluid that's around 20 weight.. (You can use a heavier fluid which might slow your leak, but the heavier the fluid, the harder the steering wheel will be to turn especially when cold.)
3. Replace the plug and turn the wheel several full turns in both directions.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 until it won't take any more fluid and the slack is gone.
Won't fix the leak but might slow it down. It sounds like you will need a seal kit soon to do it right and if you're not mechanically inclined, I'd take it to a boat shop and let them do it.. If you scar the hydraulic cylinder in the process of changing the seals, you might as well buy a new steering system.
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yolo
Ensign
Posts: 626
Location: Back to Manasquan Inlet, NJ
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Post by yolo on May 4, 2015 9:43:33 GMT -6
Good advice here!
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Post by Juan on May 4, 2015 13:29:18 GMT -6
BTW my seal kit did not include o ring at steering wheel. I have a little leak there now. Has anyone ever replaced that seal. I think you have to take tour steering wheel off. It's just an o-ring. You can find one at Lowe's in the plumbing section or the o-ring Harley's have on the oil drain is the same size. Any o-riong of the same size will work. BTW: that o-ring is the ONLY replaceable seal on the helm unit and if it is leaking, the problem is either the o-ring or a vented spring loaded valve inside the fill cap. I found the vented fill cap when mine leaked and replacing the o-ring didn't fix the leak. I don't know why they even put a vented pressure cap on the helm unit, since you don't need it. If the spring in the cap is stuck in the open position, it will leak and it will look like the o-ring is bad when it isn't. If you have a vented fill plug (and I suspect you do) either fill it with a sealant or take a toothpick and depress the spring a few times to see if it is stuck or working properly. |
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Post by oceancoursecaddy on May 12, 2015 21:08:31 GMT -6
So I took my boat to the dealer last week and they called me today. The steering problem was an easy fix, a new seal kit($300). The engine oil leak is a little more complicated. They told me that the gasket under the powerhead was leaking. The new gasket would cost 50 cents...the labor would be $800. Dealer told me that it is a problem that doesn't have to be fixed, but needs to be watched. They told me as long as I watched the oil level I would be fine. Right now I think im gonna try an oil stop leak that a friends business sells. Anyone have any other ideas that dont involve ripping the engine apart?
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Post by Juan on May 13, 2015 5:04:29 GMT -6
Just me, but I don't have any faith in engine additives. In my opinion if they actually were of any value, they would be recommended or installed by the manufacturer. They will alter the oil viscosity and that may mask the problem but could be detrimental to performance. There is no magic fix to fixing an oil leak. If you can see the point where the gasket is leaking, you might apply some liquid steel.
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